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Careers

Imagine how good it feels to share the best of you at work

When you choose a career with Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, you give of yourself – of your heart and of your soul – to improve lives and ultimately to change lives. And at the end of the day, that feels pretty good!

We touch more than 100,000 lives a year

For most people, a job is a job – something you do for a paycheck. However, those who join our mission at LSS, do so because they’re not satisfied with just a paycheck from a less-than-meaningful career. We operate 263 programs at 188 sites in 115 communities with approximately 1,000 employees throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.

When you choose us, your work will revolve around meaningful endeavors like finding meals for someone who hasn’t eaten lately, treatment for someone who’s struggling with addiction, support for people with disabilities, housing for someone who’s homeless, finding clothing for a foster child or creating forever families through adoption.

In turn, we support you!

A career at LSS comes with many benefits – vacation, health insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, optional protection benefits and many other perks that support your overall life and future as our valued employee.

Explore the pages here to learn about all the other reasons joining our family is the right decision in your life. We add new positions frequently, so please be sure to check our career openings often. Begin your search for job opportunities here.

“I love the mission of LSS, and feel that my coworkers are very dedicated and deeply believe in bettering people’s lives.”

Our People

Quality people who truly care

When you open the door of any Lutheran Social Services (LSS) office, you’ll notice something special. You’re greeted with a big smile and an offer to help that’s genuine and pure LSS.

Our team of generous individuals makes our work shine

This warm embrace comes with the territory. When we search for people to join our team, we look for important characteristics that not only benefit our clients, but also help assure comfortable and uplifting work environments for our employees. Some people feel that people who work here have a calling to serve, which helps unite our employees at LSS.

People with a gift for changing lives

Not just anyone has the DNA to work here at LSS. Of course you need the qualifications that match the position, but it’s that extra something that makes our people truly shine as they help clients improve their lives, reach their goals and fulfill their dreams. People feel valued at LSS by other employees and clients. It’s a special bond that’s felt by our employees and the people we serve. Because changing lives every day feels great.

Are you an LSS kind of person? Great, we’d love for you to join our organization. To explore current opportunities that may fit your qualifications, start here.

LSS Culture

Welcoming and inclusive work experience

When you’re looking for a new position, you want to find an organization that offers you the best overall package, but you also need to consider the heart of the organization. At Lutheran Social Services (LSS), we take both responsibilites seriously.

We take pride in offering our employees extras beyond your salary, live our commitment to a corporate heart each day, honor flexible work schedules, strive for diversity and openly share information among our employees.

LSS pays more than 80 percent of eligible employees' individual and family health care insurance premiums. Plus, we offer part-time or flex-time employees (scheduled to work 30+ hours per week) health care benefits. LSS also offers employees up to 24 days of paid time-off (PTO), which encompasses time off for ill dependents.

Corporate heart

The heart of LSS revolves around improving a community’s social needs and practices. Another key area of focus is developing and caring for our employees. With that comes a commitment to fiscal responsibility, human rights, values, ethics and integrity in everything we do. In addition, LSS stresses inclusion and diversity in its hiring practices.

Flexible work day

Sometimes your life requires flexibility. We understand that and, if possible, we will work to accommodate your individual request for a flexible, non-traditional work arrangement. We may be able to offer flexibility in your choice in beginning and end hours, the number of hours worked per day, a reduced schedule during certain times of the year, and a change from full- to part-time status and choice in your shift. We also extend choices for breaks and when to take meals.

Seek diversity

All you have to do is read our mission statement to understand that inclusion and diversity is integral in our organization’s mission. Lutheran Social Services seeks diversity in its staff and volunteers as well as in those it serves. Individuals and organizations are intertwined and must rely on and support one another. Excellence is the standard of quality for all agency services and operations.

Plus, our mission includes a commitment to improve social needs and practices, care and development of employees, and inclusion and diversity.

Open communication

We also believe strongly in open communication both internally and externally. Our e-newsletter arrives weekly to communicate news relevant to our employees, and we issue special editions for timely announcements. Plus, you’ll find the latest news on our Facebook page devoted to adoption and a general LSS Facebook page. You’ll also find videos posted toYouTube that capture key messages and news.

Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan has achieved accreditation through the Council on Accreditation (COA) for many years. The value of this Accreditation offers accountability and improvement measures while increasing the capacity to deliver high-quality services. LSS is part of a great community of excellence. Learn more about what this accreditation means.

“LSS provides a positive atmosphere, my supervisor is willing to invest in me and wants me to succeed.”

Benefits & Perks

Your salary is just the beginning at LSS

At Lutheran Social Services (LSS), we employ a total compensation philosophy that supports our commitment to attract and retain highly skilled and talented employees. It’s not always the base salary that matters most. We’ve built a benefits package that addresses everything from time away from work to insurance to an employee assistance program — to help you address issues that arise in your life.

In addition to basic pay, LSS offers you the following employee benefits:

Time away

Medical

Dental

Vision

403(b) retirement savings plan

Life and disability insurance

Optional protection benefits

Flexible spending account

Employee assistance program

"LSS provides a positive atmosphere. My supervisor is willing to invest in me and wants me to succeed."

Time away
Generous time off to refresh your spirit

At Lutheran Social Services (LSS), we believe in working hard and playing hard. That’s why we make sure our employees have plenty of time off to reconnect with friends and family – and escape the work life. Depending on the type of position you work, you may be eligible for paid holidays, paid vacation, personal holidays or paid time off (PTO).

Paid holidays

You are eligible for paid holidays upon the date of hire. We offer 9 designated days of paid holidays at 8 hours per day, if you work at least 40 hours per week. We pro-rate the paid holidays if you work 30 to 39 hours per week.

Paid vacation

You are eligible for paid vacation on the date of hire if you have a benefit-eligible position (at least 40 hours per week or 30 to 39 hours per week). You will accrue hours biweekly based on your years of service and hours worked.

Personal holidays

You are eligible for personal holidays on your date of hire. If you work at least 40 hours per week, you will receive 2 personal holidays per year. If you work 30 to 39 hours per week, you will receive 1 day per year.

Paid time off (PTO)

You are eligible for paid time off (PTO) on your date of hire. You are eligible for PTO if you work 20 to 29 hours per week. You will accrue PTO hours bi-weekly, based on your years of service and hours worked.

“LSS is a great company to work for, and I feel valued as a team member and person.”

At Lutheran Social Services (LSS), we offer medical, dental and vision benefits that are effective the first of the month following 60 days of employment for employees who are scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week, unless otherwise noted.

The information below provides a brief description for each available benefit plan. You will receive a Complete Summary Plan Document upon hire. Your eligibility is based on your scheduled hours worked per week. If you do not elect coverage when first eligible, you may enroll during the next Open Enrollment period or if you have a Qualifying Event (marriage, divorce, birth of child, etc.).

Medical Coverage – Offered through United Healthcare

To ensure that you have the choice to enroll in a health plan that works best for your individual situation, eligible employees have five medical plan designs from which to choose. The plans are designed with different annual deductible and co-insurance options, starting with a single coverage annual deductible of $1,000 to a single coverage annual deductible of $5,000, including a plan that is Health Savings Account-compatible. LSS provides a Defined Contribution, a flat dollar amount that is the same no matter what health plan you choose. Routine preventative care is covered at 100% for all plans. Participants also have access to UHC’s Virtual Visits and ComPsych’s HealthChampion:

Virtual Visits – A phone/online video physician service with access to U.S. board-certified doctors, available 24 hours a day.

To ensure that you have the choice to enroll in a dental plan that works best for your individual situation, eligible employees have three dental plan designs from which to choose. The plans are designed with different annual deductible and co-insurance options, starting with a single coverage annual deductible of $0 to a single coverage annual deductible of $50. LSS provides a Defined Contribution, a flat dollar amount that is the same no matter what LSS dental plan you choose. Routine preventative care is covered at 100% for all plans.

Vision – Offered through EyeMed

Eligible employees have three vision plan designs from which to choose with various co-pays and benefit levels based on individual needs.

If you have questions about the LSS medical, dental and vision plans, please email Patti Williams, benefit manager, or call 414-325-3106.

“I love my job!”

Retirement plan
Build your retirement portfolio for later years

It’s never too early to begin to build your retirement savings – the earlier you begin to build your nest egg, the more peace of mind and financial security you’ll have in anticipation of your retirement years.

403(b) plan – Offered through Transamerica Investment Solutions

At Lutheran Social Services (LSS), we offer employees a 403(b) retirement plan through Transamerica Investment Solutions. You can start your salary deferral for retirement savings from your date of hire.

To learn more about this retirement plan, visit Transamerica online where you may select funds and set up your salary deferral.

“LSS is a great place to work. I’m glad I took the position.”

Life and disability insurance
Protection for you and your family – just in case

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) employees who are scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week are eligible for several types of life and disability insurance protection. This includes life insurance and short- and long-term disability offerings.

LSS provides a Defined Contribution to cover the costs of short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD). STD has a benefit that pays 60% of salary after you are disabled for two weeks. LTD has a benefit that pays 60% of salary after you are disabled for 90 days. Both plans have an employee buy-up option to provide a higher level of benefits coverage.

“It means a lot to me that I get to do something that I love and feel passionately about. Thanks for the opportunity to do this work!”

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) employees have the option to enroll in and purchase any of the following additional protection benefits, including Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, Identity Theft Protection and Legal Plans.

Accident Insurance – Offered by Unum

If accidentally injured, medical insurance will cover medical expenses. Accident Insurance will pay a cash benefit to use for anything else an injury might require such as emergency treatment, hospital stays, and transportation and lodging needs, among others.

Critical Illness – Offered by Unum

Critical Illness Insurance pays cash if diagnosed with a covered illness, such as cancer, heart attack or Alzheimer’s. Money can be used for any expenses, including your medical insurance deductible.

Hospital Indemnity – Offered by Unum

With hospital stays come added costs. Hospital indemnity provides ways to cover your medical plan's deductible if admitted to the hospital. From co-insurance to travel expenses and care for children and pets, expenses can add up. Hospital Indemnity plans pay benefits directly to the participant to cover these types of costs.

Legal Plan coverage provides direct, low-cost access to an attorney for a wide variety of personal legal services. It's like having an attorney on retainer.

“I am proud to work at LSS.”

Perks that make a difference
Flexible spending accounts and EAP add even more benefits

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) offers employees additional perks in the form of flexible spending accounts and an employee assistance program (EAP). The flexible spending accounts take pre-tax dollars and put them to work for you to help you pay for medical expenses and dependent care – stretching your hard-earned paycheck to cover even more. Plus, the confidential EAP counseling can help you and your family members when you really need it to help resolve challenging issues – at no charge to you.

Health care flexible spending account – Offered by Wage Works

A health care flexible spending account allows you to have dollars taken pre-tax from your paycheck to reimburse you for qualified expenses for medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision. The maximum contribution per calendar year is $2,550. This beneift is only offered during the annual Open Enrollment period.

Dependent care flexible spending account – Offered by Wage Works

For this account, pre-tax dollars are taken from your paycheck to reimburse eligible dependent care expenses not claimed on your tax form. The maximum you can contribute per calendar year is $5,000. You can enroll after 30 days of continuous employment.

Employee assistance program (EAP) – Offered by ComPsych

The EAP provides resources to help you resolve personal concerns that may be affecting your health, well-being, family life or job performance. It provides 24-hour confidential assistance to you and your family members, up to three counseling sessions per eligible person per issue at no cost to you. This service is offered to all LSS employees and their family members. To speak to a counselor, call 1-888-628-4809 or for additional resources, register at GuidanceResources, Web ID: Gallagher.

Diversity & Compliance

We Assure Identity and Protect Against Discrimination

We know that we can only achieve an exceptional level of care and service for our clients by recruiting and maintaining a unique group of employees at Lutheran Social Services (LSS). As a result, we place tremendous value in fostering a diverse group of employees to serve a diverse client base.

We hire a diverse and compassionate workforce

Our talented workforce thrives with these differences – which enhances the services we provide throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.

Lutheran Social Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer, which means that we employ minorities, females, veterans and people with disabilities.

Federal law requires all employers, like Lutheran Social Services (LSS), to use E-Verify to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. LSS also follows federal law in assuring nondiscrimination in our hiring practices.

In order to determine whether Form I-9 documentation is valid, LSS uses E-Verify’s photo screening tool to match the photograph appearing on some permanent resident and employment authorization cards with the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) photograph. For more information on E-Verify, please contact DHS at: 1-888-464-4218. See English-language poster for additional information. See Spanish-language poster.

If you have questions on this process, please call the Office of Special Counsel at 1-800-255-7688 (TDD: 1-800-237-2515).

Discrimination protection from the government and assurance from LSS

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, protects applicants and employees from discrimination in hiring, promotion, discharge, pay, fringe benefits, job training, classification, referral, and other aspects of employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), or national origin. Religious discrimination includes failing to reasonably accommodate an employee’s religious practices where the accommodation does not impose undue hardship. See English-language poster for additional information. See Spanish-language poster.

FAQs

Why should I work for LSS?

Most new employees start working for LSS because of their desire to help someone. They feel personally connected to our mission – "Motivated by the compassion of Christ, we help people improve the quality of their lives." We've also learned that our employees choose to stay with LSS because of the relationships they build with their clients, co-workers and direct supervisors. In addition, we hear that LSS is a place where they feel valued and have an opportunity to directly influence the quality of someone's life on an ongoing basis. That’s a pretty amazing feeling.

Is a bachelor's degree required to work at LSS?

Our entry-level direct-care positions do not require a college degree. These are positions where our employees begin to build their experience base for advanced human service opportunities within LSS and the human services field. LSS does have a number of other positions, which do require a bachelor's degree. However, you will find a number of positions within LSS that do not require a degree, but it may be preferred. Experience does count though. Years of related experience may serve as an equivalent to a degree.

Do I have to be Lutheran to work for LSS?

LSS employs and serves both Lutheran and non-Lutheran individuals. So, no, you do not need to be Lutheran to work at LSS.

What does LSS do?

LSS provides a variety of compassionate programs and services to individuals and their families in 115 communities throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Our range of services include:

What is LSS?

LSS is the social ministry arm of more than 800 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America congregations in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Founded in 1882, LSS is one of the largest faith-based human service agencies in the Midwest. We have main offices in Appleton, Eau Claire, La Crosse, Madison, Milwaukee and Waukesha, Wisconsin. In addition, we have an office in Upper Michigan located in Marquette. Plus, we maintain smaller offices throughout the two-state area. In total, we have more than 1,000 employees serving the needs of more than100,000 clients and their families.

Our Mission is "Motivated by the compassion of Christ, we help people improve the quality of their lives."

Our Vision is "Change the world, one grace-filled life at a time."

What types of customers does LSS serve?

Our LSS staff provides services across the lifespan and across a variety of human conditions. Services are offered to children and families, adults, older adults and persons with disabilities. Services are open to all, regardless of religious affiliation or background.

How is LSS funded?

Is LSS affiliated with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans?

LSS is a separate, non-profit organization that conducts its ministry on behalf of 500,000 Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Lutherans in nearly 800 congregations in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We are governed by a board of directors that includes representatives from business, health care, clergy, and other sectors of the community in the two-state area.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is the largest fraternal benefit society in the United States. Composed of nearly three million members, the organization offers a broad array of financial products and services, as well as charitable programs to Lutherans, their families and their communities.

In sum, LSS and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans are separate organizations, but do work together on various projects to help Lutheran churches, their members and the surrounding communities